The national skill development policy aimed to address all issues of skill development will be in place by March-April this year, Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy said here on Monday.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given strict instructions in this regard and the policy has been circulated to all States. It will address the issues raised by Kerala and issues in the offing,” Mr. Rudy said.
He was speaking at a function organised to launch Sandesh One, a network of women social entrepreneurs to offer technology at the grassroots level.
Biggest challenges
“Employment and lack of skilled workforce are the biggest challenges faced by the country. Kerala has started doing what the country should have done 50 years ago,” Mr. Rudy said lauding the social enterprise network initiative of the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation, which was launched by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
Way behind
The country had just two per cent skilled workforce compared to 70 per cent in the U.K., 74 per cent in Germany, 80 per cent in Japan, and 96 per cent in South Korea. “How can you expect the country to match the world with this skilled workforce. Where are the trainers? It is a big challenge,” Mr. Rudy said.
“By 2020, the need of the building sector is 3.3 crore skilled workers, infrastructure 10.3 crore, textile 1.4 crore, and health 1.2 crore skilled workers.”
The Union Minister said India would have the largest workforce in the 18-35 age group in the world.
He said India would be the largest supplier of the workforce and the country needed to create wealth to match the world.
Mr. Rudy said Kerala was heading for a model of skill development that could be replicated.
Silver lining
“The zeal is there among the government and officials. That is the silver lining. The Centre will be a strong partner for the ideas and concepts of the State,” he added.
Initiative
Earlier, Mr. Chandy said the initiative would revolutionise women by transforming them into resourceful, knowledgeable and successful entrepreneurs. Minister for Panchayats M.K. Muneer presided.